I have been looking to get some cattle for a few years and finally I can get started. I was hoping to buy a few but a £1600 car bill has slashed my budget
and now I can only stretch to £1000 tops, (preferably a bit less).
We have plenty of grazing (28 acres with only some sheep and horses) and stables for calving but would need them to out winter most of the time. Woodland and mature hedges for shelter. I am looking forward to some good beef, (Having started with our own pigs any other pork/bacon is a disappointment!) and we want to enjoy having them so docile, friendly and attractive animals. I don't need to make a living from them (just as well!) but I would like to sell on some of the meat and feel that we are breaking even.
My children are desperate for us to get Highlands. I do see the appeal but wonder that they may provide less meat and therefore be more costly following cut and kill costs?
I would love shorthorns or longhorns but these seem to be pricier to start with... Have seen an empty shorthorn cow (4 yrs) for £850, a cow (10yrs) with AAx calf for £1100 and an empty Longhorn cow (5 years) for £850.
Questions are;
Which breed to choose?
Given the budget (£1000) what should I buy? heifers? a cow in calf? empty cow?
Would it be unfair to have a single? They could graze alongside the horses and/or sheep but I don't think my budget would run to more than one, much as would like it to.